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Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Endorsement

The Early Childhood Special Education Specialist endorsement is designed for currently licensed teachers (ECE, Elementary, or Special Education license) who are seeking career advancement and the expertise needed to work effectively with young children with special needs and their families within a rapidly changing and diverse society. The program is fully accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Seven graduate-level courses and three practica (infant/toddler, preschool, and primary) complete the 24 credit hour program plan of study. Your classes are available in two formats (on-campus and online).

The online​ option is a viable option for prospective students living outside the Denver Metro Area who wish to purse higher education in ECE and the Colorado ECSE Specialist license but have limited access to in-person advanced work in ECE. It is also an excellent option for those living within the Denver Metro Area who need the online format due to work or family obligations or those who prefer the flexible schedule and individual time management offered in the online format. All classes are fully online; however, online students are required to come to Denver for a three to five day summer seminar each June to meet students and faculty face-to-face and attend student advising sessions.​ The online format follows a cohort model - a new group of online students is admitted every other January and takes all classes together in the same sequence.

This program is perfect if you are:

A licensed Colorado teacher without the formal credentials required to serve young children with disabilities (birth to eight).

Already in possession of a Colorado Elementary, ECE, or Special Education (K-12) license and wish to build on that expertise.

Looking to improve your ability to meet the needs of all learners.

Many of our students go on to complete an optional Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education which only requires 5 additional classes.